Location: Horsetooth Rock (Horsetooth Rock Trail to Horsetooth Rock, then on Walthen to Spring Creek Trail, then to Horsetooth Falls trail back to parking lot.)
Date: 10/15/2012
How far we went: 6.88 miles
How long it took us: 3:02:52
Elevation reached: 7256
Weather: A little chilly, very sunny. Wind at the top of the rock.
Basically you pay $5 and until noon the next day you have a permit to explore this beautiful area (within operating hours). Horsetooth Rock is the most recognizable landmark from Fort Collins and is easily accessible via the Horsetooth Rock Trail. Everything is clearly marked and you'll find your way to the top easily. Note: It takes about an hour to an hour and a half (depending on your pace) to go from parking lot to summit. This is important if you plan on catching a sunrise. It is only challenging when you get to the actual rock and takes some scrambling to reach the very top. It's not so hard that the average hiker/athlete/nimble person cannot do it with minimal effort, but people have lost their lives up here and I personally know a bunch of people who could not do it. Moving along on the Walthen and connecting with Spring Creek Trail. Its not much of a sight if its not late Spring and the water is not flowing. Still worth a visit any time of year. Residents of Fort Collins are lucky to have this in their backyard.
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| Starting off |
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| Coming to base of rock |
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| Sitting on top of rock... Can you spot my new friend? |
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| Looking west towards continental divide |
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| Looking South Towards Denver |
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| East towards Fort Collins |
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| North to Wyoming |
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| Moving away from rock on Walthen trail |
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| On to Spring Creek |
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| Drips coming down Horsetooth Falls |
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